But similar to Labor candidate Simon Tayler, he will have to defend unpopular policies such as asset sales and what many perceive as a lack of assistance for struggling graziers in their time of need.

The asset sales (disguised as leases) have been harder to sell in rural Queensland, because voters know the LNP has a track record of looking after South East Queensland and not delivering to the bush.

The asset sales are supposed to fund new roads, hospitals and better education — but voters will understandably be concerned the LNP will forget about the bush when it comes to handing out the cash.

Mr Wharton will need to secure a funding promise from his party as to what benefit the region will see from asset sales should the LNP stay in power.

It’s highly likely the LNP will stay in government. The vast majority of seats it holds in Parliament, and the lack of a palatable alternative option with Labor, will mean the LNP all but has another term or two sewn up.

Do voters want another term of an independent or do they want alignment to a major party?

Rob Katter might not be as strong as he was in 2012, but his hand in the recent moratorium foreclosure for drought-stricken and debt-riddled graziers may help him secure more of the rural vote than might have been expected before the Rural Debt Crisis Summit at Winton.

That was a monumental win — not only for rural property owners, but it was also admired by city folk of Mount Isa.

It will take a mammoth — and unlikely — swing to unseat Mr Katter.

And if Mr Katter has secured the rural vote and he still has the backing of the voting base majority in Mount Isa, it’s almost impossible to see him losing his seat.